Giant Pacific Octopus Encounter

Are you a sucker for the spineless? Go behind-the-scenes on a popular encounter to shake our octopus's hand... er, suckers. Learn about the exciting life of one of the most intelligent invertebrates on this planet!

Spineless... And Spectacular!

Octopuses live along the rocky shores and in tide pools, where they prowl the ocean bottom in search of crab, scallops, clams and other crustaceans. Their soft bodies are extremely flexible, allowing the animal to squeeze in and out of even the narrowest crevice. Their venomous parrot-like beak and the ability to eject ink into the water to blind other animals are some of the octopus’s most effective defensive and predatory tools. Perhaps just as effective, however, is the animal’s intelligence and adaptability. Although it was assumed for years that octopuses were unintelligent creatures, recent studies have demonstrated the animal’s ability to use simple tools, identify individuals, navigate mazes and access both long- and short-term memories. You can learn more about the Giant Pacific Octopus by clicking here.

How to Register

Pre-registration is required. Minimum of two participants and maximum of eight. Participants must be at least eight years or older and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult over 21 years of age. Call 541-867-3474 or purchase online. Full payment is required at the time of booking. In order to be provided a full refund or to be given the opportunity to select a different program date, please provide us with 48 hours notice if you can not participate in your scheduled program. Forty-eight hours notice will be provided if the program needs to be canceled.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Newport, on the beautiful Oregon Coast. Our mission is to inspire the public to better understand, cherish and conserve marine and coastal ecosystems.